Pop quiz! Let’s say you happen to be a massive racist who owns a sports team in a league that is heavily multi-cultural. Let’s say you let your girlfriend tape your insanely racist diatribes because who knows why, and they leak onto the web. What do you think will happen? If you answered “you get your ass banned for life because OMG,” congratulations! You already know exactly what happened to Donald Sterling. TMZ reports …
Silver says he spoke to several players, coaches and owners before deciding on the lifetime ban. As for the ban, Sterling will not be allowed to attend any NBA games or practices ever again … and will not be permitted inside any team facilities. The $2.5 million fine will be donated to anti-discrimination and tolerance efforts. Silver says the ban will only pertain to Donald — and not to his family members.
Well of course he got fired. The NBA is an entertainment organization, and nothing kills entertainment faster than the looming spectre of an old racist guy hanging over the proceedings. Seriously, play a game of Monopoly while a complete strangers talks about how he doesn’t want you to associate with black people. See how long it takes before the fun times grind to a screeching halt.